Calculated Performance of Gun Propellant Compositions Containing High Nitrogen Ingredients

摘要

The performance of typical ball powder gun propellants has been calculated using a thermodynamic code (the Blake code) and compared with the calculations for HMX and high nitrogen compound mixtures. These ingredients (binder, plasticizer, and high nitrogen compound) were selected for their high enthalpy release and the ability to vary the ratios of ingredients to achieve the desired operating temperature and minimize combustion gas average molecular weight. The mixtures exhibit higher calculated energies than ball powder, and the combustion temperature can be tailored by formulation changes. Comparisons are made between the nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin formulations and the proposed formulations of higher energy.